If the Future Centers of Europe—open, comfortable and collaborative hubs were established to encourage groups of people problem-solve, brainstorm and generally think creatively about the future of their companies or organizations. Are they an indicator of changing work attitudes and styles? See for yourself:

It is tempting, at first glance, to think of Future Centers a conference facilities or even classrooms and there is some similarity. However, Future Centers are designed not for people to merely absorb information, but rather to exchange it. They are, as the video above says mind friendly spaces for our new knowledge economy. The philosophy behind future centers is that how people think about problems and how they exchange information is essential to innovation. Future Centers seek to break down barriers of hierarchy and formality to encourage connections and the free exchange of ideas. Sound familiar? It’s the same basic philosophy inherent in the world wide web.

Yesterday we outlined the
falling costs of full human genome sequencing, and how it may well
hit a magic price point within the next year or two. Now, we’re
looking at the implications of mandatory genetic testing by doctors
and employers, and what that might mean for insurance and
employment.

As clinically available genetic tests become increasingly
affordable that brings us to the cusp of the era of personal
genomics. It won’t be long before your entire genome can be
sequenced for under $1,000, and that service may even get
integrated into health care plans. But what happens if the test
isn’t optional anymore? There are growing public fears that doctors
and employers could enforce testing, and use it as a source of
discrimination.

Could poor genetic makeup become grounds for limiting or denying
access to insurance or a job? Could we end up living in a
Gattaca -like
future?

A
policy document pushing for federal legislation to protect the
public against genetic discrimination was just recently released by
the American College of Physicians (ACP). The monograph included
six policy positions, which covered the need for uniform state and
federal protection, and specific prohibition against genetic
testing usage for insurance or employment decisions.

Imagine a Friday drive down to a golf course in a neighboring
state, followed by a relaxing Saturday of hiking and fishing, then
spending Sunday at home relaxing with the family. While an extra
day off may not seem like much, who wouldn’t enjoy perpetual 3-day
weekends?

Thanks to rising fuel prices, that’s exactly what a new State
bill in Utah proposes for thousands of government employees. In
an effort to curb air pollution and reduce state and commuter
energy costs, legislators are seriously pushing for a 4-day,
10-hour work, Monday-to-Thursday work week in place of the
traditional 5-day week.

If the bill is passed, public schools in Utah will transition to
149-day school years instead of 172, with class time extended by 65
minutes each day. But don’t worry about vital public services
because the State police, prison guards, courts, public
universities, and even state-run liquor stores will still hold
regular hours on Fridays. Likewise, hazardous spill disposal and
medicaid phone line services will not be affected by the
changes.

The idea of a four day work week isn’t new. Ever since the gas
crisis of the 1970’s the idea has been floating around to conserve
fuel costs, but only recently have people begun to get excited
about the possible switch-up now that gasoline prices are seriously
pinching travel and commuter budgets.

For example, Suffolk County and New York are already
considering the plan, so it looks as though this could be the
start of a much broader trend. (cont.)